MARRARA, Northern Territory, Australia – Marines with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, kicked off their first “footy” game with local representatives at the TIO Stadium, here, June 8.
The Marines and community representatives encompassing local politicians, chiefs from Darwin restaurants, police officers and firefighters split up into two teams, Inpex and Enactus, and played two 20-minute halves. All proceeds went to charities.
Inpex walked away with the win, but everyone left the field having enjoyed themselves, and all for a good cause.
“None of the Marines here have ever played before,” said Lance Cpl. Elias Taylor, team leader who played on team Inpex, 3rd Platoon, Lima Co., 3rd Bn., 3rd Marine Regiment, MRF-D. “We’ve had a couple practices, and it’s just been a blast. It’s really fun to come out here and finally be able to play a game.”
Luke Gosling, a former paratrooper running for federal parliament, said it was fun to play an Australian-style sport with the Marines.
“I’ve worked with American forces in Afghanistan, so it was great to play Aussie rules with them today,” he explained. They showed all the spirit, toughness and good humor that I’ve seen from them in the past. It was a real privilege. It’s great to have the Marines in town.”